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Summary of reviewsGougane Barra Hotel offers a remarkable escape in one of Ireland's most picturesque locations, captivating guests with stunning lakeside views and a tranquil ambiance. Situated near St Finbarr’s Oratory, the hotel boasts an idyllic setting that invites serenity and awe through its proximity to Gougane Barra National Park, a haven for nature lovers eager to explore its scenic walks.
The hotel excels in providing a memorable culinary experience, with breakfast and dinner celebrated for their quality and presentation. Meals feature locally sourced ingredients, enhancing flavor and sustainability, with special dietary options available to cater to diverse preferences. The dining rooms offer lovely views of the lake, enriching the culinary encounter and contributing to a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Accommodation at Gougane Barra Hotel complements its enchanting surroundings, delivering rooms that offer panoramic views of the lake and church. Most rooms are spacious and comfortable, albeit with a slightly dated charm that aligns with the hotel's overall ambiance. While minor issues such as temperature control and occasional noise are noted, the cleanliness of the hotel is maintained to high standards, ensuring tidy and well-kept spaces throughout.
The hospitality extended by staff is often lauded, with guests describing them as friendly, attentive, and professional. The dedication of the team adds a personal touch to each visit, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring guests feel welcome and valued.
Comfort is prioritized within the hotel, especially concerning bedding, which provides restful sleep with plush pillows enhancing relaxation. Although some beds may be firmer or smaller than expected, the overall comfort contributes to a soothing retreat, setting the tone for a delightful stay amidst West Cork's stunning beauty. Gougane Barra Hotel thus emerges as a cherished haven for those seeking a peaceful and enchanting getaway. Show more
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Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
The Gougane Barra Hotel focuses on genuine Irish hospitality with local food and drink, operating as a sustainable business. They have an environmental sustainability program and achieved Green Hospitality Certification and Eco-label Certification in April 2024. They are committed to minimizing their environmental footprint and maximizing support for the local economy.
3-Star Hotel
Located in Gougane Barra [from dataset]. The accommodations combine world-class service, sophisticated amenities, and distinctive experiences that reflect the unique character of County Cork.
Family Friendly Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomWith beautiful views of Gougane Barra lake, the upper valley, or mountains. Includes a private bathroom and a hairdryer, along with a TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Double RoomWith beautiful views of Gougane Barra lake, the upper valley, or mountains. Includes a private bathroom and a hairdryer, along with a TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Twin RoomWith beautiful views of Gougane Barra lake, the upper valley, or mountains. Includes a private bathroom and a hairdryer, along with a TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Lake View Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. This double room provides an electric kettle, a flat-screen TV and lake views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.2
Excellent
Location
Nestled in one of Ireland's most beautiful places, Gougane Barra Hotel offers a dreamlike escape that enchants its guests with stunning lakeside views and a magical ambiance. Its location, right on the lake beside the historic St Finbarr’s oratory, creates an idyllic and peaceful setting, making it a magnificent spot for those seeking a serene getaway. As guests arrive, the breathtaking views of the lake and church immediately instill a sense of tranquility and awe. The hotel's prime position within Gougane Barra National Park provides easy access to scenic walks through the forest and mountains, ensuring a nature lover's paradise.
The hotel is beautifully situated in a protected landscape area, offering unrivaled views from the rooms that overlook the shimmering waters. This location is truly second to none, with a secluded bay promising a perfect night away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The historic charm of the area complements the enchanting scenery, adding a touch of ethereal magic to the surroundings.
Guests frequently commend the dedicated proprietor and friendly staff who not only enhance the atmosphere with their accommodating nature but also ensure a memorable stay. The dining experience adds to the allure, as meals are paired with the captivating backdrop of the lake, providing both delightful cuisine and stunning vistas. Gougane Barra Hotel’s location, combined with its warm hospitality and serene environment, makes it a cherished destination for those seeking a magnificent retreat in the heart of Ireland’s natural beauty.
Breakfast
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Gougane Barra, the hotel's breakfast offerings have garnered widespread praise for their exceptional quality and diversity. Guests consistently commend the meals as being both delicious and beautifully presented, with a special emphasis on the locally sourced ingredients that underscore a farm-to-table approach. Diners are often greeted with exquisite views of the lake, enhancing the overall breakfast experience.
Visitors frequently describe the breakfast as fantastic, highlighting its diversity and quality. The availability of special dietary options, such as almond milk, vegan spreads, and gluten-free bread, ensures that guests with specific needs are catered to with care. It's clear that the hotel goes above and beyond to deliver an outstanding morning meal, with features like perfectly poached eggs and self-made delicacies adding to the charm.
While not every guest finds the breakfast experience flawless, the majority are impressed by the wide range of choices and the friendly, knowledgeable service that accompanies each meal. The breakfast room itself adds to the enjoyment, being described as lovely and welcoming, creating an ideal setting for an enjoyable start to the day. Overall, Gougane Barra Hotel stands out for its commitment to quality and guest satisfaction in its breakfast offerings.
Dinner
At Gougane Barra Hotel, dining is an experience celebrated by guests for its quality and presentation. The hotel's restaurant offers a delectable array of meals, described consistently as delicious and beautifully prepared. Guests appreciate the locally sourced and fresh ingredients used in both breakfast and dinner. The culinary creations are not only a feast for the taste buds but also visually stunning, leaving visitors impressed by the exquisite presentation.
While some might find the portions a bit too filling, the overall consensus is that the meals are of excellent quality and superb value for money. Dining in the hotel's restaurant, overlooking the picturesque lake, elevates the experience, making it special and memorable. The exceptional service provided by the friendly staff complements the top-notch cuisine, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Guests have gone as far as to suggest the dinner could rival Michelin standards, highlighting the remarkable nature of the dishes served. Whether enjoying an amazing breakfast or a superb evening meal, the culinary delights at Gougane Barra Hotel leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Rooms
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Cork countryside, Gougane Barra Hotel offers guests a memorable stay with superb panoramic views. Many of the rooms boast breathtaking vistas of the picturesque lake and church, adding a romantic touch to the experience. Rooms are generally spacious and well-maintained, delivering a comfortable and cozy retreat for guests. Although the décor carries a slightly dated charm, it integrates with the hotel's overall ambiance.
While the rooms are adequately clean, guests might encounter an occasional vinegary scent due to cleaning materials. Temperature control seems to be a minor concern, as some guests noted chilly conditions upon arrival and the absence of a thermostat. Noise levels can be somewhat pronounced due to thin walls, which may allow sounds from neighboring rooms or common areas to permeate.
Despite minor inconveniences, the exceptional service from friendly staff and wonderful dining experiences contribute to a satisfying visit. Although some rooms, like the disabled ground floor accommodations, might be basic in amenities and decor, the stunning views and tranquil atmosphere offer a delightful escape for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature's splendor.
Beds
Nestled in the serene beauty of West Cork, Gougane Barra Hotel offers a retreat where comfort is prioritized, particularly when it comes to the beds. Guests frequently highlight the comfort of the beds, often describing them as very good or even exceptionally comfortable. Many have enjoyed restful nights, aided by the plush pillows that contribute to amazing sleep experiences. However, a few guests have mentioned that some beds may be on the firmer side, and in some cases, a bit smaller than expected. Despite these minor points, the hotel consistently ensures a cozy and restful stay, complemented by a very good breakfast served in a lovely dining atmosphere. Overall, the emphasis on comfort sets a welcoming tone for travelers seeking relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
Cleanliness
The Gougane Barra Hotel has garnered positive feedback regarding its cleanliness from a multitude of guests. Many have consistently observed that the rooms are very clean, with specific mentions of being spotlessly clean. This level of upkeep extends to both the room and bathroom areas, which guests frequently highlight as really clean. Beyond the rooms, the overall environment of the hotel is maintained impeccably, with descriptions noting that it is clean and well-kept both inside and out, contributing to a pristine atmosphere overall.
Despite the recurring praise for cleanliness, some guests have noted that the rooms, while very clean, seem somewhat dated or basic. However, this does not detract from the satisfaction concerning the hygiene standards upheld by the hotel. In addition to cleanliness, the staff's friendliness, delightful food, and stunning views from the rooms are some of the other features that guests have admired during their stay at the Gougane Barra Hotel.
Staff
The guest reviews of Gougane Barra Hotel paint a vivid picture of a warm and welcoming atmosphere, largely due to its staff. Visitors consistently highlight the team’s friendly and helpful demeanor, with staff members described as exceptionally kind, attentive, and professional. Their efficiency and hospitality resonate well with guests, creating an environment that feels both personal and familial. From surprise birthday celebrations to engaging conversations, the dedication of the staff in enhancing each guest's experience is evident. Whether it's the owners, bartender, maitre d, chef, or server, each plays a part in crafting a memorable and pleasant stay. Their knowledge and willingness to assist emphasize a commitment to quality service that stands out in the reviews. Overall, the team at Gougane Barra Hotel is praised for their ability to make guests feel welcome and valued throughout their visit.
No, Gougane Barra Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Gougane Barra Hotel.
No, Gougane Barra Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Gougane Barra Hotel.